Clubs & Organizations

One of the most important things you can do during your time at ASU is start to develop a professional network. While it's not always just "who you know" (you do need to know something), the contacts you make now often can make the difference between a job at graduation, or living with your folks for a few more years.

A great way to network is through the student organizations in our department. Many of these clubs are student "arms" of a professional communication organization: for example, the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) is the student club of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). As such, they help prepare you for your career by introducing you to the profession you've chosen. Other organizations, like WASU and The Appalachian, give you the opportunity to work in student media. The clubs listed on this page have much to offer: guest speakers, contacts within the field, field trips, resume assistance, internship notices, free food, and much more.

Some clubs have their own separate website; you'll find links to these on the left. Others have information on this page to get you started, including contact information for the club adviser.

National Broadcasting Society

Appalachian State University's chapter of the National Broadcasting Society chapter began in the 1980s. Formed in 1943 on the campus of Stephens College in Missouri, NBS had the original name of Alpha Epsilon Rho in honor for the Association for Education in Radio (AER). The Society also has a chapter of AERho, the honorary side of the National Broadcasting Society.

The National Broadcasting Society seeks to enhance the development of college and university students involved in the telecommunications, broadcasting, cable and other electronic media by 1) promoting excellence; 2) providing opportunities for leadership; 3) providing exposure to the telecommunication industries; 4) assisting career preparation; and 5) providing opportunities for the development of members through advanced media education programs at local, district, regional, and national levels.

ASU is proud to have an active NBS chapter that provides students with numerous opportunities to gain background broadcasting knowledge and make important contacts with broadcasting professionals. Through NBS students have attended national conventions in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, St. Louis, Miami, and Washington, D.C.

Society of Professional Journalists

Society of Professional Journalists, or Sigma Delta Chi, is one of the largest professional journalism organizations in the world. Appalachian State University is proud to have its own chapter with approximately 25 active members.

In April 1995, ASU received its charter, and SPJ continues to grow. SPJ is a valuable experience for journalism majors because it gives journalism students the opportunity to network with professional journalists, which paves the way for internship and job opportunities.

SPJ received national recognition with its Press Package Project. The project included filling shoeboxes with supplies for journalists in war-torn countries, such as Bosnia and Haiti.